Australian Computer Society Inc., Queensland Branch

» BULLETIN

U

r IL i5.

1< »

Registered for posting as a publication “Category B’’

r

No. 71 October 1979

WSSSS: was

WSSaSi was

WaSSS sasasi bT# # (ESSS

■»>» R'KK

V.V.* wasSSSHSSBSsaaas:mmmmmmmrn

•saaaaaa

mmmm

:aaaa

•aaaaawaaaa

29TH OCTOBEt<'2MD

Display Screen

Central Processor High-Speed Matrix Printer

Dual Diskette Drives __

t fTTT

Keyboard lO KeyNumeric Pad

Diskettes

«*

msgm\

THE DURANGO F-85 DESK TOP COMPUTER

QUEENSLAND DISTRIBUTORS:

THE ELECTRONIC CIRCUITSuite 414, 4th Floor,

20 Duncan Street,

Fortitude Valley, Qld.

Phone 52 8455

(r=T

UP TO 4 AUXILIARY TERMINALS

PERIPHERALSINTEGRAL AUTO-ANSWER MOOEM FACILITATES COMMUNICATION WITH REMOTE COMPUTER VIA TELEPHONE LINES

EXPANSION OPTIONS

SPECIFICATIONS OF F-85

1. Processor Unit from 32K to 65K bytes. 8K bytes of ROM. DMA facilitates transfer notes from memory to peripherals at 750K bytes/sec. Real-time clock, multi­level interrupt structure.

2. Video Display has 1920/1024 characters. Programme Selectable plus Blink, Reverse Video, Highlight, Underscore and Graphic Display Capabilities.

lie

3. Printer: Bi-directional printing at 165 CPS with upper/lower case capabilities. Accommodates 6 part forms.

4. Diskette System provides 1.89 million bytes with option of second 1.89 MB on auxilliary drive, using 5 Va " diskettes.

5. Keyboard with separate numeric key pad.

6. Software includes DX-85 Executive, D-Basic Compiler/Interpreter, System Support Utilities and Diagnostics. Software for Debtors, Creditors, Invoicing and Inventory and General Ledger available.

2

EDITORIAL

DATA COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTATIVE GROUP

The formation of the Data Communications Consulta­tive Group is to be applauded. The inaugural meeting of this group organized and sponsored by Telecom is reported on in this month’s Australian Computer Bulletin. ACS is represented in the group.

Relationships between Telecom and the computer industry have been strained over many years. While the computing fraternity have accused Telecom of monopo­listic inefficiencies in the supply of data communication

facilities, Telecom have argued for a better appreciation of the difficulties they face.

Informal discussions have occurred between the two sides over a long period without any marked improvement in the generally icy climate. In more recent times, a number of additional factors have arisen to put even more strain on the relationship. In particular, increasing delays in the data services area and prolonged, continuing industrial disputes are stretching the patience of the computing fraternity. In this very sensitive situation, regular formal consultation between Telecom and consumers of its data communication services takes on special importance.

PUBLISHED BY THE AUSTRALIAN COMPUTER SOCIETY INC. (OLD. BRANCH) G.P.O. BOX 1484, BRISBANE. 4001. PHONE: 30 1129

HON. EDITOR — Bob Smyth, 32 Morley Street, Chelmer.

Opinions expressed in articles in this Bulletin are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Society.

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF MEETINGPlease note that the meeting scheduled for Tuesday 6th November at the Hawken Auditorium has been cancelled.The Committee has arranged a site visit to Queensland Druggists on the 27th November, and in line with the coming festive season something special is planned for this visit — so keep watching for further information!!!

DECEMBER MEETINGThe final meeting for 1979 to be held at the Hawken Auditorium on Tuesday December 4th.SPEAKER: To be announcedTOPIC: Applications PackagesAs this will be the “Christmas Meeting” the Committee looks forward to seeing a “full house” on this night.

3

BRANCH OFFICE PROPOSALA plan to rent a room in the Institute of Engineers

Building as a Branch Office of ACS is being investigated by a sub-committee of the Queensland branch executive. One possibility is that ACS could run the office in conjunction with ACADS and NADOW (which is actively seeking training and employment in the computer industry for the disabled).

Such an arrangement would seem to have a lot going for it. The office could be manned on a full-time basis to the benefit of members of each of the organizations. The sharing of setting up and running costs would ease the financial load. The sub-committee is to report back to the October executive meeting.

NEW-LOOK BRANCH BULLETINIn spite of teething problems with the first edition of

the branch bulletin published in conjunction with Journal Publishing Company, it is felt that branch members will benefit from the new arrangement. The agreement signed provides for Journal Publishing to produce the monthly bulletin at no charge to ACS in return for advertising rights, although these, too, are subject to certain controls by the branch. Editorial control remains with the branch.

The lateness of the first edition was caused by Journal Publishing’s problems in getting in copy from companies who had indicated they wanted to advertise in the bulletin. It is to be expected that our publishers have profited from this experience and will be able to meet the lead times provided in the agreement in future editions.

g0101010101010101G10101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101011g

A SAMPLE RANGE OF PROCESSOR CARDS FROM ZERO ONE ELECTRONICS

2

oo6p-op"or-Of—op-o 0 0 or—or—o or—op*oI—o0r-*o0p»oo0poP"o o oOIOIOLOLOIOIOIOLOLOIOIOIOIOIOLOIOIOIOIOLOLOIOIOIOIOIOIOLOIOIOLOIOLOIOIOLOIOIOIO-

SOFTWARE (on cassette)Z80 6k Basic to suit our CPU Card $19.95

Z80 Assembler/Editor/Debugger $19.95

GAMES PACKAGE 8 large games $9.95

And more to come!

SUPPORT DEVICES Mother Board —• 8 Slot□ 7.5a SCR preregulated supply for 5v lines

—16v ,75a —16v ,75a

• Actively Terminated• Comes complete including all edge connectors and power

supply components• All Components excepting power transformer and main

filter Capacitor mounted on Mother Card

r- Price $149.50 Full assembled only

CARD FRAME/CASETo accept S100 or EXORCISER mother board/power supply and has provision for Fan and 19" rack mounting

Price: $105.00 Freight $10.00

64K DYNAMIC S100 MEMORY CARD THE ZERO ONE DYNARAM• Access time 250 ns (2MHZ or 4MHZ) 4116

• 64k Bytes organised in 4 x 16k Blocks• Refresh completely transparent using bus signals to derive

refresh allowing processor to run at full speed without wait slates

• Supplied on minimum of 1 x 16k Blocks expandable by merely plugging in extra rams

Price kit $235.00 All sockets suppliedAssembled and tested add $40.00

each 16k add $125.00Assembled and tested add $60.00

ETI 640 VDU kit fully socketed $139.00Please note that 200ns memories are required for VDU 4MHZoperation at $6.00 extra or 10 x 21L02-2 for $26.00 separately

Z80 S100 Bus System

Z80 CPU CARDFEATURES —• Comes with full assembly instructions and card documents• Power on jump for automatic execution of monitor program

on startup.• Front paneWess operation allowed by on board 2k monitor

which is too good to explain here; 19 commands all unique abbreviations allowed

• Full S100 DMA Capabilities.• Sockets supplied for all major devices.• Clock speed, 2MHZ Standard, 4MHZ Option.• I/O Z80 P10 2 x 8 bit programmable paralfel I/O• RAM 256 Bytes scratch pad (Monitor)• Onboard 2100 baud Tarbell Cassette Interface (Software

Controlled) with cassette recorder remote motor control Test Cassette supplied with CPU Kit contains set up pro­cedures for cassette interface as well as software to allow

the cassette interface to read and dump 300 baud CUTS (Kansas City) format

• Keyboard input direct onto card in parallel ASC11• Monitor performs all functions to drive ET1640 VDU as an

ASC11 terminal. Entry points for cursor control etc.• The spare socket onboard is to allow the National

MM57109 to be fitted which works in conjunction with the CPU to give a full floating point RPN arithmetic unit

• Functions as a general purpose Z80 single board computer or as the heart of a fully expended system to 64k Bytes of memory and a multitude of I/O devices

• Plated thru solder masked printed circuit board with components screened overlay

• Description Manual Construction manual $1.00 refundable with purchase.

PRICE KIT $199.50 2MHZ $225.00 4MHZ$22.50 Number Cruncher Option Assembled and tested ad $50.00

S100 Extender Cards including connector $22.00 S100 Wire Wrap Cards $34.00

EXORCISER DYNAMIC RAMSame spec as for S100 Dynaram except plugs into Motorola Exorciser Bus and same pricing as for Dynaram.

BOOKSZ80 CPU Technical Description $10.00 postedZ80 P10 Technical Description $6.50 postedZ80 CTC Techncial Description $6.50 postedZ80 CPU Programming and Assembly Language Manual $10.00posted.

200 MOGGILL ROAD. TARINGA. 4068. BRISBANE. AUSTRALIA.PHONE 371 6707

f t—All prices include freight anywhere in Australia. Allow 10 days for despatch.

Hours of business: Mon. to Frl.; 9am to 5pm. Sat.; 8.30am to 12 noon. Open Thurs. to 9pm.

ii=jj

IMPrices are inclusive of sales tax, tax exempt institutions deduct six

percent.

2§—•owmdooowmlo0o0o0o00oo0

0

06—ao■*4oomSooatoo

4

REACTION TO NEW-LOOK BULLETINIn the days following release of the first edition of our

Branch Bulletin produced in conjunction with Journal Publishing, I have received plenty of comment. Generally, it’s been favourable — an acknowledgement that at last we’ve got a professional-looking publication to carry local society news to members, and recognition of the financial savings to the Branch. However, whether favourable or not, there has invariably been a suggestion that we need more copy to balance out the ads.

From here on in we will insist that no more than half of the Bulletin is comprised of advertising material, no matter how interesting. But the positive answer to the situation lies with you. Tell me what is happening in your

installation in terms of new equipment, new applications, new staff. Volunteer your services to help with preparation of copy, proof-reading, photography or graphics. Send in your own reviews of computer books, video programs and films. Voice your opinions on local society matters through letters to the editor.

Executive sub-committee . chairmen have given a commitment to provide monthly reports to members through the Bulletin. A series of local installation profiles is in the pipeline, our North Queensland Corner is getting established, Special Interest Group reports will be printed, Meeting Reports will be a regular feature and, of course, forthcoming branch events will be highlighted. From there, it’s over to you.

Editor

TERRIGAL ’79The programme for the major Annual Computer

Conference in N.S.W. has been finalised and includes a high number of overseas speakers.

A record number of delegates is expected this year and better accommodation in the Terrigal/Entrance area has been booked.

The Conference will be held over the long weekend, Friday November 23 to Sunday November 25 and applica­tion forms and further information may be obtained from the A.C.S. (N.S.W.), 35 Clarence Street, Sydney. 290-3887.The following speakers have confirmed their acceptance:

Alan Cowley, IP Computer Consultants Pty. Ltd.“Micro Computers in the 80’s”.Associate Professor Gordon Everest,University of Minnesota, U.S.A.“Data Base and Privacy”.Peter Douglas, Bank of N.S.W.“Electronic Funds Transfer”.Barry de Ferranti,Barry de Ferranti & Associates, N.S.W.“Information Management Responsibilities in

the 1980’s”.Dr. Theodore Williams, Purdue University, U.S.A.“Computers and Productivity”.Ashley Goldsworthy, S.G.I.O. Building Society, Qld.“The Social Implications”.Prof. Norman Abramson, University of Hawaii, U.S.A.“Small Satellite Earth Stations — the next computer Peripheral Device”.

Don James, Word Management Pty. Ltd.“Word Processing”.“A Presentation of the Plato System”.

nnnnanntfaa uu

naanadafldDna

5

THE AFFORDABLE COMPUTER

Join the world of 16 bit power16K — 1024K

Join the world of Alpha Micro.S_. .. “ . ‘

INTERNET SYSTEMS AUSTRALIAQLD. DISTRIBUTORS

18th Floor, AMP Place, Cnr. Eagle and Charlotte Streets, Brisbane, 4000. Telephone: 229 4527

6

(Advertisement)

Internet Systems Australia is the Queensland Distributor for Alpha Micro, the California based Micro Manufac­turer, with some 2,600 installations world wide.

Arnold Lambert, Internal Systems General Manager, says that the Alpha Micro has potential unrealised by the Computer Industry, and offers a low cost entry level system to all facets of the data processing user.

The system offers a one line model field enhanceable from 16K to 1024K, a Micro with a Megabyte of Random Ac­cess Memory.

To read the list of utility Software and the ability to have from 10 Megabytes to 2400 Megabytes of Hard Disk is most astounding.

Alpha Micro specifications read as of those of a mainframe.

Languages offered:

Cobol ANS174, Extended Basic, Pascal, Fortran, Assembler, Algol, Lisp.

With Multi Tasking, Multi User, Time Sharing facilities, the Alpha Micro is going to shake up the lower end of the market place, says Arnold Lambert.

There are currently 7 installed systems in Queensland, and some 90 installations in Australia.

Internet Systems are offering full Software and Engineering support.

When questioned on where the Alpha Micro sat in the market place, Arnold Lambert said that the Education and Government Departments had been relatively untouched, although in Western Australia, a number were in Learn­ing Institutions and Government Departments.

He further went on to say, ‘WITH THE RANGE OF LANGUAGES AND THE EXPANSIBILITY OF THE HARD­WARE, THE ALPHA MICRO HAD A PLACE IN ALL FACETS OF BUSINESS.’

The Alpha Micro has a large range of Commercial Packages (mostly written in Basic) and all Packages were fully documented.

Arnold Lambert has been associated with many large computer installations in Queensland, and he sees the future of computers falling into two areas.

The large Mainframes will go from strength to strength as giant information and processing sources with the Micro replacing the ‘Mini’ as the RJE or stand alone system for the traditional $30-$100,000 user.

The architecture of the Micro’s, and low cost, will put the Mini market to the test in the next 12 months, says Lambert.

The overheads to market low cost systems will really test the traditional suppliers, who will find the large scale system a more profitable market place, Lambert went on to say.

Internet Systems in Queensland are situated in AMP PLACE and with a current client base, are in a position to penetrate the market with what looks to be a most viable powerful ‘Micro’.

7

• CAIRNS

t;1 Si’iW'NSVILLE

fclBgsggilggsgs^s^

s^s§%£

fcs^*gSs^.gy&

*/• jw>

NORTH QUEENSLAND CORNER

On Wednesday 22nd August, 1979, Brian Cruse (from Q.I.T.) presented, to 25 members of the local chapter, a discussion on Ed Yourdon’s “Structured Techniques”.

Brian discussed and illustrated the topic under the four basic headings of:

Data Flow DiagramsStructure ChartLogic SpecificationGeneration of CodeOn Monday 27th August, 1979, Professor H. N. Chris­

tiansen of Bringham Young University, Utah, USA, visited Townsville to present a lecture entitled “Computing for people that can’t read, but have to look at pictures”.

The format that the lecture took was screening of movies and slides of developments in Computer Graphics accompanied by a narrative and discussion by Professor Christiansen. The entire presentation was not only inter­esting and informative but also quite entertaining.

It was indeed fortunate that Professor Christiansen was able to include Townsville in his Australian itinerary. His visit was sponsored by the Association of Computer Aided Design, the Department of Civil Engineering at James Cook University and the Townsville Chapter of the ACS. The lecture was attended by about 40 people.

Plans are currently in hand to have a local speaker address the chapter in late October followed, in late Novem­ber, by a screening of the movie “When the Chips are Down”. A public forum on “The Effects of Technology” is to accompany this movie.

FLATCABLING

CONNECTORS A wide range is available including subimniature 'D' connectors for external and internal I/O interconnectors

.using standard 'D' type connectors. Standard DIP plug and socket connectors. PCB solder transition connectors. Card edge connectors. PCB Male Headers. Female Socket Transitions.

FLAT CABLES Three types come in 100 foot standard lengths and up to 50 conductors. Jacketed is UL listed and rated to 75°C and 90V. Round conductor is UL rated to 105°C and 150V. Flat conductor can be flexed over 10 million times and is rated to 80° C and 90V.

TOOLSPrecision Cable Cutter is a lightweight hand tool with cable alignment guide to ensure that all wires are cut neatly and squarely at precise right angle to cable edge. Cable Separator separates up to 50 strands simultaneously. Discrete Wire Assembly Fixture aids termination of other types of cabling.

CABLE CLAMPS Adhesive-backed nylon clamp screws or sticks in position. Cables are easily removed or added. Caters for 1, 2 or 3" width and stacks up to 1" high.

DESIGNERS KITThe T&B/Ansley Blue Macs"Designer's Kit" is a completemass-assembled-connector-system that includes:• Over 100 T&B/Ansley• DIP Plugs. connectors.• Socket Connectors.• PCB Solder Transition types.• Female Socket Connectors.• PCB Solder Tail Headers.• Wrap Post Tail Headers.• A 100-foot roll of 28 AWG

stranded 50-conductor flat cable.

• A precision-made SHURE STAKE ©hand installation tool.

electronic , componenls(OLD)

SUITE 16, 205 MOGGILL RD„ TARINGA, Q.4068 RO. BOX 162, INDOOROOPILLY. Q.4068 PHONE 3715677 TELEX AA40821

TOWNSVILLE OFFICE: 54 FRENCH STREET, CURRAJONG, TOWNSVILLE. 4812 PHONE: (077) 797424

8

emitRange of ServicesOnline Systems provides services in the following areas:• Supply of. and complete responsibility for. computer hardware and

systems.• Computer systems and programming service.• Computer project management• Development of overall system studies leading to computer

feasibility studies.• Preparation of detailed system specifications• Preparation of detailed computer programme specifications• Preparation of computer tender documents• Evaluation of tender proposals• Assistance in the decision and the negotiation for purchase of

computer software and hardware

ONLINESYSTEMSGROUP

computing

• Assistance in evaluating and planning of computer security and efficiency

• Preparation of computer audit programmes• Computer executive and stall' selection

How you can make use of Online SystemsIf you would like to know more about Online and the services it provides, simply get

in touch with one of the company’s principals.Online Systems will be happy to survey your particular computer requirements and

submit a proposal at no cost or obligation.Online Systems has a proven record of efficiency, impartiality and job success that is

second to none.When you are faced with computer facility problems, contact Online Systems.

SYDNEY.Online Systems (NSW) Pty. LimitedMr Peter Stewart, Managing Director, Golden Fleece House,100 Pacific Highway, North Sydney. 2060. Ph. 02—436 2133, 02-^36 2310. BRISBANE.Online Systems (OLD) Pty. Limited,Mr. Bob Coombs, Managing Director, 12th Floor, 167 Eagle Street,Brisbane, Old. 4000. Phone 07—229 5177.PAPUA NEW GUINEA.Online Systems (OLD) Pty. Limited,21 Le Hunte Road, Granville. Port Moresby Tel: 21 1877

9

NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WEEK PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES IN BRISBANE 29TH OCTOBER TO 2ND NOVEMBER, 1979

MONDAY, 29TH OCTOBER, 19797.00 p.m. Official Dinner to launch week, the Hon. the Deputy Premier and

Treasurer, Dr. L. R. Edwards, M.L.A. as guest speaker, with invited guests representing industry, commerce, social organisations, etc. (Crest Hotel).

TUESDAY, 30TH OCTOBER, 19795.30 p.m. Special public meeting concerned with the development and the future

of computers. Two guest speakers (Crest Hotel).WEDNESDAY, 31ST OCTOBER, 1979

9.00 a.m. Opening of Word Processing Seminar (Crest Hotel).10.00 a.m. Official opening of ACS Public Display of minicomputers and associated

equipment in special area of City Hall.THURSDAY, 1ST NOVEMBER, 1979

9.00 a.m. Official opening of ACS public Microprocessor Seminar (Crest Hotel).FRIDAY, 2ND NOVEMBER, 1979

Continuing activity — ACS Microprocessor Seminar at Crest Hotel. SATURDAY, 3RD NOVEMBER, 1979

10.00 a.m. Chess competition between chess experts and large computer system.Venue — the Pancake Manor Restaurant, Charlotte Street, BRISBANE.

OTHER ACTIVITIES DURING WEEKLetters to Editor Competition in Courier Mail.TV interviews/discussions for inclusion in magazine, public affairs slots, etc.Displays in State Library.

10

THE COLLEGE’S PROPOSALThe Chairman attended a meeting of the National

Management Committee and the Chairmen of existing National Committees on Saturday 13thOctober, 1979, to consider the issues raised by the College’s proposal.

A report of the discussions will be made by Ken Pope to the Branch in the next issue of the Bulletin.

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

By the time you receive this Bulletin arrangements will have been completed for all the various activities which are to be a feature of National Information Technology Week. This Week begins on Monday, 29th October, 1979, and I think it is worth repeating that it is a golden opportunity for each member of our Society to make a positive contri­bution towards increasing the awareness of the general public of computers and computer people.

We do strive for professionalism, and thus we do care for the impact of our activities upon society as a whole. I think that it is to our credit that we were individually trying to break down the mysticism which surrounds computing and to make an understanding of computers available to the man in the street, long before the impact of computers on living attracted the attention of the social and political scientists.

Full marks to us perhaps, but we must continue our efforts and direct them in a more concerted manner if they are to have best effect. Hence, the Week: it is a challenge for the membership of the Branch to get out there and do something, and I hope that each member who can will assist in its promotion.

I look forward to seeing you at the various activities, and I am sure that we shall, between us, make the Week an outstanding success.

See you there!Ken Pope.

COLE COMPUTER SERVICESPTY LTD

cConsultancy

CZ^> Project Management

CZ^> Systems Analysis & Design

CH^> Contract Programming

200 131914 ROSIA RD, PARK RIDGE

*1-Although operators may not normally

dress so elegantly, Daro Australasia Pty Ltd has chosen this way to demonstrate the ease of operation of its Daro Computer Series cur­rently being introduced throughout Australia. From Randal Data Systems of the U.S.. the Daro computer family starts with the 100 Series, least expensive and suitable as a small company's first computer, and is capable of upgrading to the 200 Series, the lowest-cost ten megabyte disk-orientated computer sys­tem available and which can be expanded to

the Daro 500, a major business computer for larger companies with up to 200 megabytes of disk storage. This, says Daro, means its computer series can never become outdated and will grow as the user's business grows. A range of printers and visual display terminals is available and there is a choice of letter quality printing for word processing and text editing. The introduction of the Daro Computer Series to its range of invoicing, accounting and VRC equipment lends credence ot Daro’s claim as the largest Australian-owned organisation specialising in the data-processing field.

Daro Business Machines 90 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley, 4086 Phone 358 3188

11

NOTICE OF SEMINARThe department of Commerce, Queensland University,

has asked the ACS to draw attention to the following activity:

SEMINARDATA BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

FOUNDATION CONCEPTS AND DATA INTEGRITYA two-day Seminar on the above subject will be held

at the University on 5th and 6th November, 1979. The Seminar will be conducted by Professor Gordon Everest of the University of Minnesota, USA. Professor Everest was a member of the CODASYL Systems Committee on this topic, and has a wide knowledge and understanding of data base systems.

The fee for the Seminar is SI95 including notes.Persons interested should apply to Professor

D. J. H. Watson, Department of Commerce, University of Queensland, St. Lucia.

(It is understood that a Brochure has been circulated by the University.)

MEMBERSHIP CHANGESG. N. Beikoff Q.I.T. AssociateG. B. Clelland Price Waterhouse MemberG. P. Pearson Red Tulip AssociateC. M. Wall NORQEB AssociateL. J. Heilbronn Meyers Taylor AssociateR. F. Casey I.C.L. MemberJ. R. Casas Mt. Isa Mines MemberT. W. Dommett DJP.I. AssociateB. W. Cooper MEB MemberJ. C. Boulsover I.P. AssociateR. T. Moore Computer Acc MemberR. G. Little Jenyns MemberS. R. Moore Bretts MemberM. F. Long SEQEB MemberN. G. Lovely SEQEB AffiliateG. J. Shaw Theiss Affiliate

MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS SEMINARAll members should have received a brochure giving

details of the Microcomputer Applications Seminar to be held at the Crest International Hotel on 1st and 2nd November. Last year’s Microprocessor Seminar was a huge success and it is to be expected that this one will be a worthy follow-up. The programme looks to be a varied and well-balanced one.

Don’t forget the display of microcomputers and related equipment to be held in the Brisbane City Hall on 31st October and 1st November from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

MEETING REPORT 9TH OCTOBER -DATA COMMUNICATIONS, TELECOM SERVICES

Forty people were present in the Hawken Auditorium to hear Greg Strohfeldt from Telecom outline the data com­munications facilities offered by Telecom. Mr. Strohfeldt is a senior Da tel engineer in Queensland.

Slides and overhead transparencies were well used to provide a brief history of the development of data com­munications. Data Processing students were well served by a simple, clear description of basic telecommunication operations. For instance, excellent explanation of the difference between bits/second and bauds was given.

The Datel facilities currently available were outlined with explanation and justification of features well pre­sented. Again, the reasons for using amplitude modulation with higher speed transmission was made clear.

Datel in Queensland, we were told, have a target of 15 working days for installations from receipt of order. However, a question revealed current difficulties are leading to this target being met only about 50% of the time in Queensland which is still better than the record in the south.

Valuable insight was given into the customer service provided by Telecom to help users in setting up their data communications facilities and in tracing faults. Question time saw no shortage of people wanting to hear more about Telecom’s services.

A precis of Mr. Strohfeldt’s presentation is printed elsewhere in this Bulletin with a full transcript of the talk to follow next month.

Capablefetaff

Don’t be deceived by our name.You are right if you think we ‘place’ clerks, typists, operators, etc. We also place people in Executive and Profes­sional positions. 18% of placements during this financial year have been ‘computer professionals’ — Computer Salespeople, Systems Analysts, Programmers and Engineers.We are succeeding because we only refer ‘the right person or persons’. We don’t believe in wasting applicants’ or employers’ time by referring unsuitable people for interviews. Our service is completely confidential to both applicant and employer. Names are not divulged without prior consent. There is no fee payable by any individual who registers with us. A fee is payable by the employer, based on the annual salary of the new employee, only in the event of a successful placement.Phone Geoff Hall for further information.

260 Queen Street, G.P.O. Box 1368, BRISBANE, 4001. Telephone 221 9661

12

OCTOBER MEETING SUMMARYBelow is an extract from the material presented by

Mr Greg Strohfeldt of Telecom at the October branch meeting:

DATA COMMUNICATIONSData type communications by the use of visual signal­

ling (semaphore) were in use long before electric circuits were developed. Telegraphy (a form of data communica­tions) was the predominant form of communications until the introduction of the telephone in 1876. Data communi­cations came to the fore again with the development of the computer in 1944.

Facilities Offered By The Date) Service

hhh

.100

hOO.VOO

Both

EithPi

Both

WEM■Hi

Both -

Both wriy

Both -

Both

W.ri#-

huinl

For the higher speed services (2400BPS, 4800BPS, 9600BPS and 9600BPS) only synchronous transmission is available and these services cannot be provided by the public switched telephone network. A 2400BPS switched network service should be available in 12 months time. The 2400BPS and 4800BPS modems use Phase Shift Keying modulation (PSK), the 9600BPS modems use PSK and Amplitude Modulation (AM), and the 48 OOOBPS modems use AM.

The modems used on the 9600BPS service are capable of transmitting and receiving data in a number of streams. A Single stream of 9600BPS B Two streams of 4800BPS C Four streams of 2400BPSD One stream of 4800BPS and two streams of 2400BPS

An important point to remember with multi-stream services is that only one source of signal timing is to be used. Customers requiring a multi-stream service must first obtain a “system permit” from Telecom.

Multi-point networks (where two or more data ter­minals are linked together in a network configuration) are permissible at all speeds except 9600BPS. From the user’s viewpoint the main considerations in multi-point network design are throughput and response time. From Telecom viewpoint the main consideration is the ease of maintenance of the network. This criterion limits to eight the maximum number of data terminals on a multi-point network.

No apparatus may be directly connected or otherwise

used with the Telecommunications network by any person or organisation without the authority of the Commission.-

The Commission is most concerned about safety measures and the prevention of danger to* personnel and equipment and insists that all equipment submitted for a permit to connect meets its specifications. A “Permit to Connect” from Telecom Australia is not a guarantee that the service will operate.

Separating the user from the computer has led to a large number of telephone lines being used for data com­munications. Devices called modems are necessary to convert data signals into a form suitable for transmission over telephone lines. Privately leased telephone lines and public switched telephone lines can be used for the trans­mission of data.

These facilities may be divided into two types, high speed data and low speed data. The modems used on low speed data services (300BPS and 600/1200BPS) use Frequency Shift Keying modulation (FSK) and can be used on the public switched telephone network. Only asynch­ronous transmission is available on the 300BPS services but either synchronous or asynchronous transmission is available on the 600/1200BPS services.

NATIONAL COMPUTER ART CONTESTThe Australian Computer Society is organizing a

National Computer Art Contest following the success of the N.S.W. Computer Art Contests of the past two years.

Computer art can take many forms, from the con­ventional art drawn by a graph plotter or a printer to animated art on a video screen. The 1978 N.S.W. Computer Art Prize was won by students from the N.S.W. University who produced a film of animated pictures originally dis­played on a video screen.

The National Computer Art Prize 1979 is planned to be the first of an annual event and a prize of $300 will be presented to the winner.

Entries must be lodged with the A.C.S. Chief Executive, 1st floor, Spectrum Building, 220 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest, N.S.W. 2065, by December 1, 1979, and any media may be used providing a computer plays an important part in the creation of the entry.

A statement must be included with the entry speci­fying how the computer contributed. The judging panel, however, will select the winner purely on artistic merit and the computer technique will not be considered.

NEW GRADUATE DIPLOMA COURSEThe School of Business Studies at QIT is to offer a

post-graduate Diploma in Commercial Computing. The course, starting in 1980, is directed at graduates whose primary degree is in a discipline other than commercial computing. It will provide, then, for people wishing to add a commercial computing major to a primary degree.

Dr. Bernie Wolff, Head of the School of Business Studies at QIT, said that the course would initially be offered for part-time study with all lectures and tutorials being conducted in the evenings. The course will require a minimum of four semesters of part-time study.

13

LETTER TO THE EDITORDear Sir,

Congratulations on the new format of the Queensland Branch Bulletin.

My reactions to the publication, when I first removed it from the envelope, went something like this.

— Nice feel, looks glossy;— Even a brochure included printed on lower quality

yellow paper;— Nice size to read and handle;— Format looks good.

I had been prepared for this publication, having been advised that the New Look Bulletin was being produced using a publishing organisation. I was also advised that the Bulletin is published free of cost to the Branch.

I perceived a number of obvious improvements during my first reading.

— The October Meeting notice is to be commended. 1 hope that all meeting notices are given the same emphasis.

— Professor Hank Christiansen’s photographs are beauti­fully reproduced.

— The artwork on the North Queensland Corner logo is the best reproduction I’ve seen in many a long year.

— Diagrams, such as that included in the Paper of the Month, are well presented, and most importantly, legible.

-- Font size for’the text is easy to read.My second reading is even more fruitful. 1 find that I

am deluged with information and data, which prompts me to read my Bulletin a third time.

I notice the lack of page numbering. This could cause some problems for larger articles that may appear in later editions. The name of the publication, and date of issue is in one place, the front cover. Why not on each page, as in other professional publications? An index would be useful, but of course, page numbers are needed to compile the index. I am willing to accept correction on this point, but I believe an ISSN reference number is required for the postal category. Similarly, the frequency of publication must also be stated, for the same reason of postal category. I am willing to live with these factors, but one factor which I do not agree with, is the text/advertisement ratio. Count­ing the front and rear covers, twenty-four pages of print are included in the publication. The breakdown of advertising is given in the table below.

Full pages of advertising 12=12 equivalent pagesHalf pages of advertising 3= VA equivalent pagesThree-quarter pages of advertising 3= 214 equivalent pagesEquivalent full pages of advertising = 15%

Leaving us with the grand total of 814 pages of professional content text.

Now, we shall be given arguments such as— The difficulty of finding suitable editorial material.— The apathy of members in supporting publications.— The time lag between submission and publication is too

long to include topical material.

If these arguments are based on fact, then how did the M1CS1G produce their Newsletter for September 1979? Here we have a Special Interest Group which can

— produce a thirty-five page publication,— carry no advertising,— include two papers,— advise members re Technical Sessions, Conferences and

Monographs which could have been included in the Branch Bulletin,

— and advise members of the structure of the 1979 Branch Executive Committee. Surely this belongs in the Branch Bulletin?We can only ponder the events leading up to this

imbalance, and in the absence of any other advice, I am tempted to ask the Branch Executive the following ques­tions through this letter to the Editor,

— How can a 'Special Interest Group Newsletter “outdo” a Branch publication?

— Are we to remain forever subjected to a 68%—32% favourable advertising ratio in all future editions?

— If the September issue of the Branch Bulletin is the “best we can do”, why is the Executive maintaining its “we are different, and have different needs” attitude with respect to the National Bulletin?

— Where has the argument now gone, “that the lead time to place material in the National Bulletin is too long”? Our Branch Bulletin must now have a similar lead time?

— Why must advertisements look deceptively like editorial material? This is not a condemnation of the content of some advertisements.If the first edition is meant as a public relations type of

exercise, then I suggest it has been a failure.Frankly, I am of the opinion that the decision to pub­

lish the New-Look Bulletin was not in the best interest of the Branch. The saving of costs is paid for somewhere, by someone. That someone is the advertisers, who must be thanked for their spontaneous support.

The somewhere is in the content of the Bulletin, which has now been shown to be too expensive to support profes­sional society content.

B. CRUSE macs Queensland Branch

EDITOR’S REPLYA letter of the type submitted by Mr. Cruse is always

most welcome. Its constructive elements provide a basis for action; page numbers will be added, an index will be con­sidered if the publication grows to warrant it. Apparent misunderstandings evident provide an opportunity to inform others who may be similarly confused.

Firstly, the new-look Bulletin is not meant as ‘a public relations type of exercise’. Its purpose is no more than it was previously - to provide information to members about local matters. That it looks better is a desirable side benefit. That it is paid for by advertisers rather than branch members was part of the rationale for taking this initiative.

14

The lead-time between submission of copy and availa­bility of the Bulletin is 14 days for the local publication as against some 6 weeks for the National one. Besides, the intention is not to compete with the high-cost National Bulletin but to complement it with a virtually no-cost local Bulletin.

Members will be pleased to hear that prior to publica­tion of the first edition of the new-look Bulletin, Branch Executive agreed that MICSIG news progressively be merged into the branch Bulletin. We look forward to the inputs from this energetic group.

Mr. Cruse rests his case for rejecting the new initiative on the grounds that ‘the saving of costs is paid for some­where, by someone’. The ‘someone’ argument — that the advertisers, not the members, pay would seem to be cause for congratulation rather than condemnation.

The ‘somewhere’ argument relating to ‘the content of the Bulletin, which has now been shown to be too expensive . . .’ transcends logical interpretation. Is the ‘content’ now shown to be too expensive?? Is the ‘Bulletin’ now shown to be too expensive?

The fundamental issue of whether we, as a Branch, wish to have computer-related advertising pay for publi­cation of our Branch Bulletin is implied in this letter. Other ACS publications try to attract advertising, though never have they met with the volume of response that last month’s branch Bulletin did. We will henceforth insist that no more than 50% of any Bulletin comprise advertising material (as provided for in the contract) though we will be looking to an increased inflow of copy from members rather than a turning away of prospective advertisers.

Editor

SEPTEMBER MEETING SUMMARYBelow.is an extract from the material presented by

Mr Brian Cruse and Mr Graham Smith, of the School of Business Studies at QIT, at the September meeting of the Branch:

D.P. EDUCATION FOR THE 1980s

INTRODUCTIONComputer education has been subject to great criticism

over the relatively short history of the industry. Some of this criticism is justified, other criticism is illfounded, but cannot and must not be rejected on that basis alone.

A common complaint appears to be that course curriculum is patchwork in nature, and does not relate to the many problems which the graduate is going to face in that real-world work environment. This criticism is levelled' at a discipline which preaches a structured and integrated approach to system development and implementation.

If we were to extrapolate this criticism, it could well explain the nervous symptoms experienced in the industry, such as that Software is

— unreliable,— in permanent maintenance,— always delivered late,— exceeds cost,— does not satisfy original specifications,— impossible to maintain,— lacking transparency,— unmodifiable,— not improvable.These symptoms exist because our present generation

of software builders have failed to apply basic design procedures.

Some reasons attributed to this, are:— that software is abstract, non-material and better visualised

as a process;— software performance has been difficult to measure,

observe and analyze,— complexity of software makes verification extremely

difficult.But can we remain hidden behind these rather obscure

and intangible reasonings? Can we, after this presentation, start to move forward into the next decade?

Let us think seriously about Boehm’s hardware/software cost 'trends diagram. The diagram suggests that Software,i.e. people costs are going to increase, and hardware costs will decrease.

Now, we must accept that the sum of the percentages of hardware costs and software costs, will remain at 100%. Unless we are going to change our percentage laws, that component of the diagram must remain unchanged. Incidentally, this diagram is attributed with having pointed out to the computer industry that we will have a “software crisis” by 1985.

This is valuable knowledge, for now we are able to direct our attention, energies, and egos at the factor which will continue to make computer applications expensive, i.e. the people costs.

15

The people costs have proved, and will continue to prove a difficulty which must be handled with calm, rational, balanced and, above'all, practised dexterity and management. Or so the argument has been in the past. After all, are we not really addressing a talent shortage? Are we really saying that our educational programs (be they government, autonomous or private) are lacking in not producing talented personnel? Are we staying or main­

taining a supply/demand situation? Or are we just as concerned, as other professions, about technological change?

The answer from Boehm’s diagram is obvious. Reduce the people cost, and you reduce the project cost. Now what does that mean? Does it mean we make 100% smaller, as in this comparative diagram?

2 80 -

HARDWARE

H 40 SOFTWARE

1970YEAR

That makes the people cost smaller! I think you will agree that a solution of this nature is impractical. How, then, is the people cost problem going to be addressed? If we were to modify Boehm’s predictions, and allow our­selves the latitude of making the following assumptions:1. The total costs of a project will still sum up to 100%.2. The hardware component will remain on the prediction

curve.3. The people (software) costs will be reduced; then our diagram must become,

12 80

HARDWARE

H 40 SOFTWARE

The area marked ??? will be the major discussion, philosophical, conceptual and technologically significant factor which will affect our industry. Theories will be put forward, tested, proved and rejected, but ultimately, the outcome must be, a commensurate reduction in software (people) costs, when compared with hardware costs. Let us relabel this area (???) area D, for brevity. This brings us to the questions— what is area D?— what is involved in area D?— since area D must be “costed”, what is the commodity

that will “cost”?Taking these questions singly, and because the first

question is easy to answer, area D is the difference between software costs and hardware costs.

Questions two and three are closely interrelated, and1 issues such as the automated office, job oriented work stations, distributed systems, micros, minis and maxis, query languages and user oriented systems, will be included in any discussion.

However, two alternatives for area D are immediately obvious, with it being equally obvious that many other alternatives now exist, and will exist in the future.

Alternative 1 is to suggest that the hardware propor­tion of the total project cost, will increase. Area D is thus a potential sink for hardware costs. How deep the sink is, will be dependent on the degree of cost effectiveness, personnelYEAR

acceptance and ultimate implementation of software productivity techniques.

The issue of cost effectiveness will be resolved within the management style of the organisation, Any installation can immediately reduce its software costs, by a simple reclassification of costs back to the user, and have the cost appear in the user budget, as opposed to the data processing budget. In fact, there is a body of sound, rational argument which supports this concept. There are equally strong arguments which support the concept that the computer centre should be costed on all operations.

This seems a. reasonable time to slide from the topic of cost effectiveness, and personnel acceptance and implemen­tation. The suggestion that alternative 1 represents an in­crease in hardware costs, is supported by Lewis Branscomb, Chief Scientist at IBM, who has been quoted as stating that, “IBM expectations for 1983 are that projects costs will be subdivided as follows:— Staff 24%— Computer 37%— Communications 39%

Processing of the future will be— centralised or distributed— maxi or mini— top down or bottom up.Computers will become more useful by being moved closer to people; also by having their functions distributed. Communications facilities will be extensively used.

Technical issues will be— distributing and finding data,— synchronising the updating of distributed data files,— communicating practically and economically using data

encryption.”

If we were to compare Branscomb’s and Boehm’s projections, Boehm’s 1975 software costs are composed of two Branscomb components, Hardware and Staff. The remaining part, some 19%, is referred to as Communications by Branscomb and Hardware by Boehm. Immediately, we have a point of contention, as to the exact nature of the Software component identified by each author. Hastily pushing on, because it is the prediction which is important, Branscomb suggests that by 1983, the Communications component will be some 90% of total project cost. The coincidence of the slope of these curves could give us a basis for implying that both authors were substantially discussing the same component, i.e. the visible hardware which can be seen and touched by the human, i.e. backing store, terminals, printers and so forth.

If we choose to agree on the relevance of those curves, we direct our attention to 1983-1985. If the current en­vironment is allowed to continue unchecked, Branscomb’s prediction (i.e. IBM’s) is that staff costs will rise to 73%, based on a staff cost increase of 6% per annum. But, with new technology, staff costs can be reduced to 24% of total project costs, with computer costs dropping to 37%, and communications (hardware in our new terms) increasing to

39%. We could approximate the downward curve of soft­ware, into Boehm’s diagram as follows,

Branscomb Predictions showing Current Trends

HARDWARE

60 -

1- 40

1955YEAR

Branscomb Predictions with New Technology

52 80HARDWARE

I- 40 SOFTWARE

YEAR

At this point, Alternative 2 starts to become effective. Alternative 1 suggested that area D becomes a sink, into which is poured funds for hardware. Hardware will take on more of the traditional programming/design tasks. Machines will have inbuilt logic for compilers, translators and so forth, and this technology must be financed through sales of equipment. Alternative 2 is a proposition that area D will be a direct cost to the user, and will be independent of the data processing budget. The user will be given the capability of “programming” the machine to perform the required computations. The user will be given access to the data base; the user will be remote from the central processing facility; the user will be aware of the restrictions, con­straints and capabilities of the equipment; the user will be in charge of his own destiny. The user will use primarily, application software which will effectively and efficiently— respond to queries in a natural language dialogue;— support managerial services by monitoring specified dafa

items, reports, communications, messages and systems;

17

— support decision making using graphical software and terminals to fit trend lines, compute statistics, simulate and optimise;

— support system implementation through a library of standard modules, which are to be accessed by designers, analysts, and/or any other authorised member of the organisation.

The essential difference between Alternative 1 and Alternative 2, is the method of implementation. Alternative 1 is a suggestion, that future user requirements are met using technologically advanced hardware. Alternative 2 is a suggestion that the same objective will be achieved using technologically advanced software.

Which still leaves us with the question, who will develop the means?

A PROPOSALLet us propose that the computer industry is ready to

accept the professional Software Engineer. Now at this point, I believe that a great many dp professionals have turned off, while some others may be experiencing palpita­tions. So let’s gravitate quickly to a definition.Software Engineering shall be defined as —

“The establishment and use of sound engineering principles (methods) in order to obtain economically, software that is reliable and works on real machines”F. L. Bauer, “Software Engineering”, Information Processing 71 (Amsterdam: North Holland Publishing Co., 1972), p. 530.

Keywords in this definition are: sound engineering principles, economical, reliable,functional (works on real machines).The engineer is basically a problem solver, who main­

tains a practical outlook and philosophy, and who is capable of solving problems efficiently and economically. The engineer will possess many talents; some but not a great deal of inventiveness; can apply concepts (be they old or new) to different situations; can accept responsibility; and work as a member of a team.

The need for total knowledge of the concept being applied to solve the problem, may not be needed by the engineer. The use of the engineering design process repre­sents the concentration of the engineer’s training.

We can further categorise qualities which the engineer must possess:— Basic knowledge, representing fundamentals that provide

a foundation on which to build additional knowledge.— Skills, which are difficult to quantify. These would

include a degree of inventiveness; sound judgement; an ability to reach reasonable and intelligent conclusions; the ability to recognise the effective use of information resources; and the ability to think. Most of all, the skill to work in a co-operative working relationship with other members of a team. Communication skills are extremely important in this category.

— Attitude, or points of view. This is demonstrated by an objective approach to problems, making decisions based on logical reasoning, without undue influence from tradition, outside pressure or biases. A complete open- mind approach if you like.

The software engineer can thus be viewed needing to possess these qualities. The software engineer is a problem solver, and like engineers, training must include the basic and applied skills, design principles, communication and management skills.

A Course Development ProcessThis brings us to the point or focus of this presentation,

“What will be the impact on education requirements for DP professionals?”

Some problems which can be identified with existing courses are as follows:1. The present course curricula are science oriented, i.e.

they are oriented towards the gaining of new knowledge, rather than putting existing knowledge to work to meet existing needs.

2. I he range of topics which need to, or could be, taught are too extensive, in quantity terms, to fit into a Degree program.

3. Some of the necessary courses, presumably through lack ' of knowledge, do not presently exist.

Now let us consider the design of this course. Many of us would be tempted to start espousing the virtue of teaching modern structured top down implementation languages such as (heaven forbid) PASCAL. The invoking of a transcendal image is necessary, not so much out of disrespect for a revered scientist, but rather the impulse to look at the bottom rather than the top.

We have established a first level of abstraction, that is, we have established a definition of a software engineer. This abstraction enables us to conclude that the software engineer is:- part generalist in the computing field,— part manager,and therefore that most of the fundamental knowledge possessed by the software engineer must come from the computing field and the management field. Other primary areas which must constitute the curricula are communica­tion skills and project laboratory. This diagram illustrates the structure.

COMMUNICATIONS

SOFTWAREENGINEERING

COMPUTING MANAGEMENTPROJECT

LABORATORY

18

fs commodore PETYOUR COMPLETE

PERSONAL COMPUTER...FOR THE PRICE OF ATOPTYPEWRITER PET

/. ■ •••>-

At Hanimex, we believe that everyone should benefit from the latest technological advances. That’s why we have introduced the Commodore PET. a personal, portable computer that’s surprisingly inexpensive.The PET has been specially designed for people who want all the advantages of computer processing without the cost and complexity of most mini­computer systems.It consists of a TV screen, keyboard and built-in cassette deck. So you don’t need an additional TV monitor, just plug it into mains power.Because the PET is a personal computer, it uses BASIC language.The easiest to learn and the simplest to programme. And over 200 standard programmes in business, science, education and entertainment are' already available.

Storekeepers need PET for inventory control. Engineers use it for complex calculations. Professional men can maintain their records. Graziers can control stock and feed statistics. Real estate agents can catalogue property profiles, and in the home, PET can help you relax with entertainment programmes including chess, backgammon and space games. It also incorporates teach-yourself programmes for subjects such as mathematics and languages. Whatever the job, you will have a need for PET at work and at home.

Dealer enquiries invited

For further information or a demonstration call the Business Equipment Division.

m HANIMEXThe Australian company with the international reputation.

HAN4/79

r

The diagram represents a set of transformations, where the inputs represent the individuals who must perform the transformation, represent the- subject material to be trans­formed, and represent the transformed material. The set of transformations should not be conceptualised as a sequence. The imposition of sequence on the set of transformations would reduce the possibility of feedback to zero. Feedback is an output of a transformation. A property not given suf­ficient recognition when discussing transformations, in en­tropy (or wasted energy). We could conceptualise that an output from any transformation is entropy. Factors which

will contribute to the generation of this output in a trans­formation include: —honest mistakes, other mistakes, imperfect communication and co-operation. The costs associated with feedback and entropy are high, and must be controlled. Techniques for controlling these factors can be found in the management discipline. Some of the specific topics which would need to be covered, include Project Definition, Cost Analysis, Organ­ization Theory and Project Management.

A structural definition of these related topics might be as follows:

REAL TIME SYSTEMS

PROGRAMMINGLANGUAGES

PERFORMANCEEVALUATION

SYSTEMSPROGRAMMING

HUMANENGINEERING

DATABASE

DESIGN

SECURITY

MAN MACHINE INTERFACES

HUMANFACTORS

DATAMANAGEMENT

COMPUT ING

SOFTWARESYSTEMSPROGRAMMING

DESIGNMETHODOLOGIES

INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAM DESIGN

Project definition is concerned with the establishment of a complete set of requirements, which will form the basis for alternative designs. Additionally, the resource require­ments and usage needed to carry out the project will be identified and quantified.

Cost analysis is closely related or allied to project plan­ning. Tradeoffs are applied to the cost of resources used in a project, and thus form an important parameter to the pro­ject. Any traditional attitude that cost matters should be left to senior management, is lost in the realities of the work environment.

Cost considerations and projections in practice are derived from the data processing expert, who suppliesjudge- ments on matters such as vendor products, productivity rates, maintenance requirements and many others. Organiz­ation Theory is reasonably well catered for in most courses. However, the computer industry does possess a rather

unique and dynamic environment. Specific methods of soft­ware development need to be taught, and in'the absence of any authenticated body of theory, at least the pros and cons .of software team organizations such as the CTP approach.

Project Management will address control methods and personnel management. Numerous project control tools such as PERT already exist for this purpose. Initially, the software engineer will need to live within the bounds of these techniques, but will later progress to the management of the techniques. Any study in this area will need to con­centrate on the importance of explicit project control.

The world of personnel interactions will need to be studied. The computing profession does possess a unique set of opportunities and pitfalls in the management of per­sonnel, and an awareness of these considerations will be of immense benefit to the software engineer.

20

P ■''

by BENSON

2nd. FLOOR, VACO INSURANCE BUILDING PHONE 36 7526 14 CRIBB STREET, MILTON 4064

PLOTTERS

THE COMPUTER FACILITY COMPANYSPECIALISTS IN COMPUTER GRAPHICS AND COMMERCIAL SYSTEMS. FULL SUPPORT FACILITIES.

User Analyst

UserManagement

Concept

DefinitionPhase

AnalystTesterDesignPhaseManagement

Programmer

Desigi

ProgrammerAnalyst

Management

Documentation &Code

User.ManagementTest &

AcceptanceAnalyst Phase

Operational i System

ProgrammerOperational

Phase ManagementThe Management Discipline AnalystManagement related demands are evident in the soft­

ware development process. There is a series of interactions, in which humans operate on the subject matter of the problem. The operation will utilise a physical environment

amplementatio.Phase

/System^ttributes

that includes computers, offices, buildings, services, etc. The interactive process could be decomposed into the following six phases.

22

Diamond PressOF.FSET AND LETTERPRESS PRINTERS

388 LUTWYCHE RD„ WINDSOR. 4030

Telephone: 57 5151

the key to minicomputerpower is in this cell...

About 30,000 COBOL instructions per second ... that is the kind of power Honeywell means and represents the best value-for-money performance in Australia today.

Level 6's key is its ability to perform many tasks at once. We call it multi-prosramming, multi-tasking. In your language, it means that Level 6 can run your applications, perform data entry, concentrate terminals, do program development ... all concurrently! In keeping with Honeywell’s modular philosophy, you can upgrade on site from the smallest member of the Level 6 family, all the way to the model that gives the power you need.

Throughout the spectrum of five models, spectacular pricing puts this pace setting mini right in focus for a wide range of business applications.

Honeywell software makes application develop­ment easier and faster. It’s part of the one GCOS 6 family, which includes three upward-compatible execu­tives and compilers for various high-level languages. Applications include stand-alone systems, network nodes, data base and transaction processing, process control, and more. GCOS 6 MOD 200, our latest executive, is a compact transaction processing system that features self configuration and comprehensive terminal management functions.

Level 6 has become a tremendous success in the commercial field. We’d like to show you why, and how. Call us.

the Level 6 family

HoneywellSydney (02) 9239660. Melbourne (03) 6993288. Brisbane (07) 36 6466. Adelaide (08) 42 4844.

Perth (09) 322 4594. Canberra (062) 804096. J4ew Zealand: WeMngton 84 3606. Auckland 77 3969.A simplifying control with computers